Wednesday, September 26, 2007

September 26, 2007 Cluck! Cluck! Incoming Anonymous Comments

It's amusing to read comments to this blog from those who cluck and scratch and hide like a chicken behind the name "anonymous."

I just received another incoming anonymous comment yesterday that didn't make a lot of sense, but since this anonymous person is clucking and is a very devoted reader of my blog, I thought I might take a few minutes to remark on his/her confused comment.

The anonymous comment arrived in response to my blog post about the Tennessee Revenue Commissioner's plans to go across the state line to check on Tennesseans who are buying more than two cartons of cigarettes in neighboring states and then sneaking back into Tennessee---all to avoid the new and much higher Tennessee cigarette tax.

Anonymous complains that I copied a story from a newspaper and that I used the word "recent" to refer to a development that he says is months old. Then anonymous adds that I "criticized the local newspaper for not allowing comments, never mentioning the fact that you allow no comments on your web post."
Actually, anonymous, I linked to a fellow blogger who had commented on the cigarette tax. Then I linked to a newspaper article discussing the "recent" (September 7) Court of Appeals opinion declaring Tennessee's "crack tax" illegal.

If you want to complain that "recent" couldn't possibly describe a court decision from September 7, carry on with your silly point, whatever it is.

As for my "criticism" of the local paper, grow up. In my opinion, the paper should leave its articles online and available like most major newspapers do instead of posting them for a few days and then they're gone.

As for the statement that I don't allow comments on my web post, listen and I'll explain it one more time.
I post comments that come from individuals who put their name to the comment. I started this policy many months ago in response to profane and crude remarks.

If you want to submit a comment to my blog post, my policy on comments is just like the local paper's policy of requiring an ID from people who submit a letter to the editor.

I allow comments. You just have to be man or woman enough to put your name to it if you want your comment posted.

If you want to see your comment on my blog, be brave, be courageous, and come out of that anonymous closet and sign your name.

About Me

Married. Three grown children. Taught school 11 years. Entered law school in 2001. Graduated and passed the bar in 2004. Licensed attorney in Tennessee. Hamblen County Commissioner (2002-2006). Focused on accountability, ethics, and openness in government at all levels.

ANONYMOUS COMMENTS

I put my name on my blog and on my posts.

Comments to my blog posts are welcome. However, verification of the identity of commenters will be made via phone contact before comments are posted.

You send a comment by clicking on the "comments" button at the end of each post. After sending a comment via blogger, you must send me (lindacnoe@aol.com) a separate e-mail that contains your full name and phone number so I can contact you by phone to verify your identity and that you are the source of the comment.

I request phone contact information to protect both you and me. By contacting you prior to posting a comment, I try to prevent the possibility that someone else might send a comment to the blog and put your name on it.

If, during phone verification, you feel that there is still a need for your comment to be labeled "anonymous," it can be posted that way.

This is my blog, and I reserve the right to control what appears on this site.

Click on the label "anonymous comments" (below) for more background information on my blog comments policy.